Love to plan events? Are you organized and efficient? Do you have excellent networking skills? If you’ve answered yes to all three questions, then a live event planning business may be in your future.
1-Analyze your skills and experience.
Do you have experience as an event planner? If not, consider taking some courses on the topic or apprenticing with an event planning business. Many colleges and universities offer planning management courses and degrees. You can sit in on the courses or enroll. Additionally, there are courses available online and possibly in your community through community education programs.
2-Gain experience
If you don’t have experience, consider volunteering your services to begin with, meeting individuals in the field and making valuable connections. Many non-profit organizations would gladly accept the help of a volunteer, and you can learn the ins and outs of convention planning while making a difference in the world.
3-Consider getting certified
The Convention Industry Council offers the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) offers the Certified Government Meeting Professional credentials. They are not mandatory; however, they help to establish your credibility in the industry.
4-Network. One of the best ways to make things happen is to know the right people. That means networking, making friends and connections with people who are in a position to help you. Go to convention planning association meetings and introduce yourself. Make friends. Attend live events and get to know the most important people in your niche or industry.
5-Launch your business
You will of course need to set up shop both online and off. You’ll need to register your business, market it, determine your policies and procedures, and write your business plan. Create a budget and prepare your financial goals and projections. If you’re going to be seeking start-up financing, your business plan will be an essential document.
6-Start marketing your business
Market your business online through social media, ads, networking with business owners and other event planners. You can also publish content that helps businesses plan conventions or hire the right event planner. Offline, you’ll want to make connections with local business owners. Head to your local Chamber of Commerce. Consider offering a free public talk through them-they will arrange it all. You just have to give a great presentation. This should mean clients eager to work with you.
7-Analyze your goals and strategies on a regular basis
Part of being a successful business owner is making time to plan your business. A live event planner can be a stressful career that takes up a lot of time if you are not careful, and you need to have a good work-life balance.
It can be a fun and fascinating career, but only if you are organized from the outset.
Further Reading
Local Events for Marketing Purposes
How to Present with Confidence Ecourse
